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Like a SmartStrip but controlled by a USB type B plug?
MacGyver:
I've been looking for a powerstrip that will turn most of the outlets on or off based upon a 5v trigger from a USB type B input, the closest I can find is this unicorn.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WV7GMA2/
which seems to be out of stock everywhere including the people that make it. https://dlidirect.com/products/iot-power-relay
Even so it still isn't perfect. I don't want to run wires to a terminal, I just want the strip to have a type B plug and then plug that into one of the USB ports on my PI so that when the PI is on the strip is on.
I think my issue is that everyone and their brother makes a USB equipped power strip so it's hard to find what I'm looking for in that sea of chargers.
I have even found all manner of fancy WiFi controlled ones, and ones that you can turn on and off each outlet via USB (with a program that runs in Windows of course).
Does anyone know where I can find a semi-smart powerstrip like what I described? I know that I could likely build some 5v relay equipped fire hazard myself but it just seems like in 2020 that this is something that should be already available.
ZoOl007:
--- Quote from: MacGyver on June 03, 2020, 09:04:24 am ---I know that I could likely build some 5v relay equipped fire hazard myself but it just seems like in 2020 that this is something that should be already available.
--- End quote ---
I didn't find anything like that and I build myself a relay as you describe. It's not a fire hazard... You're using a ledwiz iirc. I have one in my vpinball machine and I use it to drive relays that amongst other things also power a 230v outlet. Everything is installed on a din rail. The 230v outlets and next to it a socket where the relay is mounted. It looks neat and has been working for years. I use the same approach for my garden lights - relays to power the circuits. Double interrupted - don't know the correct term in english.
edit: couldn't you use something like this to https://www.neutrik.com/en/neutrik/products/multimedia-connectors/usb to power the relay that in turn switches on the outlet?
edit2: even better -> https://www.winford.com/products/brkub1f.php
MacGyver:
Would you recommend an SSR like this https://www.amazon.com/BEM-14840DA-3-32V-24-480V-Output-Single/dp/B00E1LC1VK/:
or a 5v mechanical relay like this https://www.amazon.com/SunFounder-Module-Arduino-Raspberry-Trigger/dp/B0151F3A9Q/
I like the SSR because it's quiet and 40A, but I don't know if it is going to get too warm after continued use over a few hours.
I like the absoluteness of a mechanical relay, but I imagine that the contacts have a life span and it's only 10A (even though I think my load is only around 5 or 6A).
The load I want to run is a surge protector with a 28" LCD, a powered USB hub and a 5/12v pinball power-supply attached.
ZoOl007:
If I were you I'd go to my local electrician store and explain them what you want. I haven't ordered a thing on the net for that. You can see what you'll be buying.
You can buy the din rail you need, they'll cut it for you. The socket for the relay or perhaps a din relay. The power outlets (mine are Niko, a bit expensive but good). My relays are mechanical.
You'll have to tell them you'll be using 5V for the relay, the load... Perhaps a small case to hold it all...
The only thing they won't be able to sell you is something like the https://www.winford.com/products/brkub1f.php . I do not have such a thing but in my mind that's what you need. You could also wire the usb power directly to the relay.
If you are uncertain you can just buy their proposed relay and see if it switches using the usb power? If it doesn't work out there's not much lost.
That's what I would do. I'm not an electrician at all but I always got good advice and sometimes a wiring diagram in the store.
MacGyver:
Decided to go the fire hazard route and use the "Smart" strip that I already had that didn't work correctly anymore.
Someone should really start making these for sale, I'd buy a nice inspected by UL one in a minute (assuming it's under $50, this one cost me less than that to make including the Smart Strip).
I just rewired just the "Constant Hot" plugs to be controlled when the USB gets 5v power, that way if I ever find an object that draws enough to turn on the "smart" plugs they can still work (and I get to keep the surge protection circuitry of the smart strip).
Forgive the crappy 3D print, it's printed at 100mm/s at .3mm layer height with .4mm nozzle (I'm super impatient when it comes to waiting for things to materialize out of thin air, thanks Star Trek ;D).
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